2012 BMW X1 xDrive28 gets turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine

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The four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine rumor came true. BMW just launched its four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine for the X1 xDrive28 SUV model. The four-cylinder engine in essence swaps out the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and will certainly quickly on its way to other models as well.

To make equivalent power as the inline six-cylinder engine it replaces, BMW added its signature TwinPower Turbo technology to help attain the same level of horsepower and torque. The new power setup features an all-aluminum crankcase, twin-scroll turbocharging system, direct injection, plus the latest version of the BMW’s patented VALVETRONIC variable valve control system.

The total power output from the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is 245-horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 258 lb-ft at a mere 1,250 rpm. In comparison, the outgoing 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine X1 xDrive28 was rated at 258 hp and 228 lb-ft. So, we can see clearly that BMW has made an optimum choice with the new four-cylinder engine, but we need to see how much fuel will be saved from this new engine.

BMW offers a six-speed manual transmission as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission as an option. BMW claims that with the manual transmission, the new X1 xDrive28 SUV can sprint the 0-62 mph in just 6.1 seconds, and 6.5 seconds with automatic transmission. That is about an average of 0.4 second improvement over the inline 6-cylinder engine. Like always, the new X1 xDrive28i’s top speed is electronically governed to about 149 mph.

Not only the four-cylinder turbocharged on the BMW X1 xDrive28i SUV is faster than the six-cylinder model it replaces, it is also more fuel efficient with 29.8 mpg U.S., which is about 4.8 mpg U.S. improvement. And CO2 emissions are reduced by 38g to 183 g/km.

The new 2012 BMW X1 xDrive28i with the four-cylinder turbocharged engine will make its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva motor show in March and go on sale in Europe by Spring. A U.S. version will follow definitely, although BMW has not released any information.